What are common brain infections?

The most common diseases caused by acute viral infections are encephalitis, flaccid paralysis, aseptic meningitis, post infectious and encephalomyelitis.

What infections can spread to the brain?

Possible causes include the herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and influenza viruses. Mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile and Zika may also lead to a brain infection.

What is the survival rate of brain infection?

In most modern series, the mortality rate is typically less than 15%. Rupture of a brain abscess is uncommon but is associated with a high mortality rate (up to 80%). Significant morbidity, including seizures, persistent weakness, aphasia, or cognitive impairment, affects an estimated at 20-30% of survivors.

How does a person get a brain infection?

Bacteria and other infectious organisms can reach the brain and meninges in several ways: By being carried by the blood. By entering the brain directly from the outside (for example, through a skull fracture or during surgery on the brain) By spreading from nearby infected structures, such as the sinuses or middle ear.

Can infection in the brain be cured?

If your abscess is deep inside your brain or it’s 2.5 centimeters or less, it will probably be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotic medications will also be used to treat any underlying infections that may have been the cause of the brain abscess.

What is meningoencephalitis infection?

Related Pages. Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling.

How long does it take to recover from a brain infection?

Recovery. The inflammation of the brain can last from a few days to two or three months. After this, most people find that they make their best recovery from their symptoms within two or three months.

What to do if you have an orthopoxvirus infection?

Treatment of orthopoxvirus infections is mainly supportive: hydration, nutritional supplementation, and prevention of secondary infections. Vaccinia and cowpox lesions should remain covered until the scab detaches to diminish chances of spreading virus to other parts of the body or to other people.

What is the name of the virus that causes smallpox?

Smallpox is caused by variola virus, genus Orthopoxvirus. Other members of this genus that can infect humans are vaccinia virus, monkeypox virus, and cowpox virus. In 1980, the World Health Organization officially declared the worldwide eradication of smallpox.

Are there any cases of cowpox in Europe?

Human infections with cowpox and cowpoxlike viruses have been reported in Europe and the Caucasus (cowpox and Akhmeta virus in Georgia). Travelers with direct, hands-on contact with affected bovines, felines, rodents, or captive exotics (zoo animals) may be at risk for cutaneous infection.

Why are Capripoxviruses an important animal disease?

Infection can cause high morbidity and outbreaks of Capripoxviruses can have profound economic impact for farmers. The viruses in this genus are listed by the World Organizations for Animal Health (OIE: Office International des Epizooties) as important animal diseases that require notification.